A Gardeners Forum Forums Members History Forum Life 2005 Quik Compost

I read recently in a garden magazine this instant recipe.I have'nt tried it yet myself but I think its worth a try, especially for those with real limited space.Your just suppose to fill a black garbage bag with dried leaves,throw in a couple of shovelfuls of nearly finished compost and a couple handfuls of 10-10-10 fertilizer.Close up the bag and leave in the sun,rolling and throwing it about occasionally.It says it will be finished compost in just weeks.We compost everything for our garden and in the fall we bag leaves to insulate and cover soft perenials so I just might give it a try to see if it would be faster than our compost heap.I love my compost

Yep, Shamarian you've got the right thing going!

I would have to say though the leaves should be chopped up, for it to be done that fast!!!

The more exposed edges of the compostable item the faster it gets composted!!!
More exposed area for those microbes to eat!!!!

I would do a test, try one the way they said to do.
And one where you chop it up good, add a bit of
beer (or wine cooler or even pepsi, the sugar is a good activator)!! That'll get it cookin' for sure.
And see which way is better or quicker for you!

I have left mine in for a year, or 1 full season..

Weezie

I love compost too!!!

Thanks Weezie,thats some good ideas! The leaves I have bagged are those giant Red Maple leaves and they would take longer unless chopped.I was peeking thru Jerry Bakers garden book and he also recomends adding regular pop to the compost but stresses that it can't be diet pop.The compost can probably afford the extra calories that I cant

Yep, They need the sugar!!!

Same for beer, wine coolers, and pop...

The pop is good for the dirt and supposedly
the worms like it too????

And make sure the bag is black (NO SEE THROUGH ONES!)
Drk Grn, or Drk Brn, if black isn't available.
BUT YOU WANT IT DARK!!!


And another hint is, don't skimp when it comes to the bag's, the higher quality the better......
The thicker ones stand up better to if you had to pull or drag the bag around from place to place...
Although not infisable, the thicker ones, seem
to hold up better...

Weezie

I'm moving this topic to Landscaping Trials and Triumphs....

Thanks, Bill.

I love composting and this sounds like a fun way to try it. I love the idea of rolling the bag around. Sounds like kids might like that job (as long as they don't puncture the bag in their enthusiasm)!

Hey I wonder how putting some horse manure in the mix would work. I have plenty of that.

Marianne,
Horse manure would be fine!!!
And would work up those leaves even faster!!!
I wish I had some!

Weezie